LFP Magazine

North Atlantic

This past weekend I saw the play North Atlantic by James Strahs. It is being performed at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Manhattan by The Wooster Group and, not having been to the theater in ages, it reminded me of the great potential resource theater can be to a filmmaker. The Wooster Group, which was founded in the mid-seventies, is an ensemble of experimental theater artists who are part of a radical post-modern experimental theater tradition, situated among the worlds of dance, visual media, and theatrical arts. The play, North Atlantic, is one which is difficult to describe and must really be experienced. If I was forced to come up with some sort of description, I would choose to describe it as, “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb on Crystal Meth”. The Wooster Group describes it as, “a satirical romp — sometimes musical — through our military imagination. Set on an aircraft carrier during the waning years of the Cold War, the piece has served as a touchstone for the Group”. Directed by Elizabeth LeCompte and featuring Steve Cuiffo, Ari Fliakos, Koosil-ja, Paul Lazar, Frances McDormand, Zachary Oberzan, Scott Shepherd, Jenny Seastone Stern, Maura Tierney, and Kate Valk.

The situation that independent filmmakers find themselves in (i.e. the lack of funds, the creative restraints and forced minimalistic approach to their work) of course can all be a blessing in disguise. These “limitations” force the auteur to go deep within his or her characters, into the subtext and nature of complex relationships – they force the storyteller to look at the souls of their subjects – points that can be easily avoided when provided with financing capable of giving means to impress an audience with visual fireworks. If independent filmmakers are forced to deal with these interestingly liberating constraints, then those in theater may be the best guides and mentors in one’s searching. The parallels and the history linked between theater and film is obvious – many of the greatest films being either based on theatrical works, or directed by veterans of the playhouse. With much inspiration coming from films and television, which often results in a generic byproduct, the theater as a muse can prove to be a wonderful resource for a filmmaker. With the theater industry hurting even more desperately than independent cinema, there is also a great opportunity to find a gem within the Off-Off-Broadway scene, one where you can sample the material and see it as a production before choosing to embark on the project, as well as potentially having much or all of the film readily casted! Most likely it will require minimal locations and could be a great way to get started!